The PWHL hired Alison Izzi on Tuesday as general manager of the Vancouver Goldeneyes based on her experience as an attorney specializing in hockey matters.
Izzi fills the role vacated by Cara Gardner Morey, who stepped down after one year as GM to become the Goldeneyes' head coach in July.
Izzi most recently worked as a clerk in the NHL’s legal department with a focus on hockey operations and player safety. Before that, she was the AHL’s vice president
of hockey operations/governance, in which she served on the minor league’s legal and collective bargaining committees.
“Alison brings a vast array of knowledge and experience to the Goldeneyes, making her an ideal fit to lead the team,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL executive VP of hockey operations. “She has spent her career working across so many areas that are central to running a professional hockey team. ... She understands how all those pieces connect, and that perspective will be incredibly valuable in her role as general manager.”
Izzi takes over a team entering its second season that finished with a 9-18-3 record and was the first to be eliminated from playoff contention, leading to coach Brian Idalski being fired. The Goldeneyes used the No. 1 pick in the draft to select U.S. national team star defender Caroline Harvey in June.
“Cara has built a great culture in Vancouver that I’m honored to be entrusted with,” Izzi said. "And I know that with her as head coach leading our talented roster, that the Goldeneyes have an exciting season ahead.”
Izzi's hiring fills the PWHL's last coaching/GM vacancy entering the league's fourth season, which is set to begin in late November/early December. Of the league's 12 teams, nine have female GMs.
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